The Importance of Dietary Fiber

Found in many foods on the market, fiber offers a multitude of health benefits for people of all ages—but despite its wide availability, Americans still don’t eat enough of this vital nutrient. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recently submitted its recommend updates to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Not surprisingly, fiber features prominently in its findings.

The following 10 “shortfall” nutrients were identified:

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Folate

Calcium

Magnesium

Fiber

Potassium

Iron

The DGAC further classified four of these nutrients—vitamin D, calcium, fiber and potassium—as “nutrients of public health concern.” Importantly, a deficiency of these specific nutrients is linked to adverse health outcomes.

The report goes on to point out that less than 50 percent of all age groups were hitting the target for fiber, and only four percent of older men and 13 percent of older women were consuming adequate levels. Fiber intake was also low among pregnant women, with only eight percent consuming the recommended amount.

According to the DGAC, “A diet emphasizing a variety of nutrient-dense foods will help ensure optimal intake of these shortfall nutrients. In particular, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are excellent sources of vitamin A and C along with folate, fiber, magnesium and potassium.”

LifeWave’s Theta One supplement contains the prebiotic Nutriose, a natural origin fiber, and potassium, both of which contribute to overall vibrant health.